BREAKING NEWS: Jakarta bomb blasts hit luxury hotels

Thursday, 17 Jul, 2009 0

JAKARTA – Bombs have exploded at the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in the central business district of the Indonesian capital Jakarta,

Early unconfirmed reports say that nine people have been killed and 35 injured.

The BBC reports that the blasts occurred within minutes of each other.

It is believed the bombs exploded in the foyer cafe of the Marriott and in the first floor Airlangga all-day restaurant of the Ritz Carlton, whose façade has been destroyed.

There were several breakfast meetings going on at the time of the blasts and those killed and injured were reported to be mostly foreigners.

Early reports said one Australian and one New Zealander were among the injured.

A witness reported seeing bodies inside the Marriott.

Debris and shattered glass littered the street outside the neighbouring hotels in an upscale Jakarta neighborhood and ambulances raced to the scene.

It is the second bombing attack on the JW Marriott hotel. In the previous attack in 2003, 12 people were killed.

The latest blasts follow the release from prison of convicted Jemaah Islamiah terrorists and a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute that their release posed a serious threat of further terrorist attacks.

Members of JI were behind the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings which killed 225 people, including 92 Australians.

"We argue that two recent developments – the current leadership tensions and the release from prison of former JI members – at least raise the possibility that splinter factions might now seek to re-energise the movement through violent attacks," the report said.

A Marriott statement said: “At approximately 7:48 a.m. local time, explosions occurred at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families of this tragic incident.

“Police responded immediately and sealed off the area.

"Guests at both hotels have been evacuated. The guests have been moved to a secure location.

“We are monitoring the situation and are working closely with the authorities. As always, the safety and security of our guests and associates is a high priority.”

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Ian Jarrett

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